I have 2 sons. My oldest? James.
A nice, industrious, honest, and loving husband and parent. My other son? Dan.
Dan has always been challenging. Selfish. Lazy.
His charisma let him get by, always searching for the easy way out. Dan changed “passion” while James established a life. “It’s just the way I am, Mom,” he said.
“Life has many opportunities, and I want to try them all!”
His latest? A local fitness blogger marketing “proper nutrition and sports” online courses. Though he had few followers, he appreciated the comments, likes, and a little recognition.
For years, we knew Dan would never settle down. We were surprised when he married Lara six months ago. And Lara?
A dream, she was. I wanted Dan could be like her—sweet, attentive, caring. Lovely wife and much beautiful daughter-in-law.
Suddenly, I thought she could alter him. Dan is Dan. A few nights ago, I realized how foolish I was.
Dan was in my guest bedroom late afternoon. His tiny flat with Lara had little place for his digital setup. I was accustomed to his coming and departing and making noise while shooting.
Dan’s muffled voice came from the hallway after I put the kettle on. “Yes, babe,” he laughed. “I miss you too.
However, she will work until late tomorrow, so we can go to the restaurant and then the motel. Yeah?”
One minute of quiet. “Yes, the upscale restaurant in Paradise, Jen… I’ll text the time.”
I held my teabag container.
My stomach sank. This idiot cheated. On Lara.
The kind girl who prepared him sandwiches. Who laughed at his awful jokes. Who trusted him while we gave up.
I switched off the burner with shaking hands. My choice was decided then. I wouldn’t allow Dan’s selfishness blindside Lara again.
I would tell her everything. We promised Dan a lesson. The following day, I picked Lara up from work.
Wiping her hands on her apron, she smiled at me. “Maggie! What a shock!
Why are you here? She inquired, grinning. Inhaled deeply.
Laura, love, we must talk.”
In my vehicle, I told her everything. Every thing I overheard. Everything I expected.
Her face blanched. “He said that?” her voice broke. Lara, I love and respect you too much to conceal.
“You’re my daughter I never had,” I replied, taking her hand. She cried but didn’t break. She swallowed hard and muttered, “I want to see it myself.
Any idea which restaurant? I nodded. Let’s go, sweetie.
He was on the phone when I heard which restaurant.”
Dan has a luxury restaurant dinner reservation. A darkly lit restaurant with small servings and a bill that may make you weep. Lara and I entered and found a wonderful window location.
There he was. My kid sits opposite from a blonde lady in a tight red dress, grinning foolishly. Jen.
She leaned forward, twisting hair around her finger, smiling at his words. I saw Lara’s nails pierce her palm. My hand touched her knee.
Breathe, Lara. No end yet.”
“Unbelievable,” she mumbled. Nobody confronted them.
Not yet. Just watched. I saw him pour her wine.
Watched him whisper to her. I saw him behave like he wasn’t married to his best lady. Someone a million times over his due.
The story doesn’t end here — it continues on the next page.
Tap READ MORE to discover the rest 🔎👇
